Aged 55 years, passed away peacefully at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, 2013. Lovingly remembered by his loving wife Gail, mother Jean Blair, sons Zachary (Megan), Derek and Luke (Sarah), grandchildren Heidi and Ava, sisters Cindy (Tom) and Heather as well as many other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his father Cecil and Grandmothers. A Celebration of life will be held at Christian Life Assembly at 21277 56th Ave. Langley, BC on February 16, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Options Community Services Society http:/ /bit.ly/UGGhWK
David was born on October 1st in 1957 to his two loving parents, Cecil and Jean Blair. He also had two younger sisters, Cindy and Heather. As a young boy, he was frequently shy, but he quickly grew to become the outgoing and helpful person he was known to be for most of his life. He was also focused and ambitious, and in scouts he worked hard to get every badge. He enjoyed and excelled at many sports - football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer and basketball - and was well known for having laughs with friends and family, pulling off pranks and creating memorable stories. For instance, when his sister Cindy was learning to drive, David taught her to shift smoothly by standing up in her convertible while she drove, shocking his mother.
In 1981, David married Gail Foy and soon started a family with three boys ("the boys" as he'd call them): Zack, Derek and Luke. The family lived in Cloverdale for 24 years, growing up along with the trees and flowers they planted in their large yard, surrounded by many pets, including dogs, cats and iguanas. David especially loved Reba, a spunky Basenji, and Sadie, an energetic German Shepherd. More than anything, though, he loved his family, and he showed this in many ways; by going on camping trips each summer to Sasquatch and Rolley Lake parks, where many of their best memories were made; by nurturing his sons' interests in electricity, computers, and astronomy; and by spending weekends with Gail and the boys hiking, playing soccer, and swimming at the aptly named "Blair" wave pool.
David was lovingly supportive of all his kids as they grew up to become adults, welcoming his daughter-in-laws, Megan and Sarah into the family, and enjoying immensely having his grandchildren Heidi and Ava in his life. When Luke and Sarah were a young couple with a baby on the way, he was happy to have them live with him and Gail so that Luke and Sarah could continue their education. This also enabled the new couple to save for a condo in Abbotsford.
David had an inquisitive mind and was famously courageous in pursuing his interests and convictions. He worked in a variety of roles, including Director of Parks and Recreation for Smithers, Deputy Director of Options Community Services Society for 25 years, and licensed private investigator. In 2008, he explored politics and ran in the federal election as a Green Party candidate; in 2010, he served as a venue manager for both the Olympics in Vancouver and at the 36th G8 summit in Ontario; in 2011, he worked to recruit people with addictions into the WelcomeHome addiction recovery academy; most recently, he worked as a service delivery manager at YVR, where his father had also worked for many years.
Whatever role he had, David earned a reputation as a hard worker and as someone who cared for people around him. At Options Community Services Society, he developed numerous programs for special needs children, at-risk youth and newcomers to Canada. He instilled his work ethic to his children, telling them to "do a good job at every job you do, and you'll always find work."
David will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18